Welcome to a SoCal Camera Blog!
We have sold over 15,000 cameras world wide! We specialize in 35mm, 120, instant and retro digital camera repair and sales! Here's a look at some of the weirdest cameras we've ever seen enter our shop! If you love these old cameras check out our online shop!
1) The Pentax Optio NB1000: A Playful Digital Camera
Released in 2010 – Originally launched in Japan, this point-and-shoot digital camera offers a unique blend of creativity and functionality.
Fun and Functional – Captures high-quality 14MP images which is surprising given its funky design
Nanoblock-Compatible Design – Features a front panel that users can customize with small, Lego-like blocks. They made a standard model that allowed you to build a "flash" and grip on the camera. They also produced the safari edition which came in a green color way and allowed you to build different animals onto the front of the camera.
One-of-a-Kind Camera – This is the only camera ever that double as a building block for creativity, making the Optio NB1000 #1 on our list for funky cameras
2) The Ricoh RDC-i700: A Digital Time Capsule
Released in 2000 for $1,200 – A pioneering digital camera that combined photography with handheld computing. It was way ahead of its time considering the first iPhone came out in 2008.
3.3-Megapixel Sensor – Paired with a 3x digital zoom lens for solid image quality for its time.
Mini-Computer Functionality – More than just a camera, it offered computing capabilities rare for its time including fax and emails! At the time it "Provided a futuristic and interactive user experience". It even came with a stylus for the touch screen!
PCMCIA Card Slot – Enabled direct photo uploads to the internet or via email—groundbreaking for its era.
A Collector’s Gem – A nostalgia-packed device that captures the innovation of early 2000s digital photography.
3) The Casio Petit Colle: A Quirky Collectible Digicam
Released in 1998 – A rare and highly sought-after digital camera, sold exclusively in Japan.
Built-in Thermal Printer – One of the first digital cameras to print photos directly onto thermal sticker paper.
Includes a *0.08MP* Monocrome Sensor & 4.5mm Lens
Supports External Flash – It often features an ugly clip-on flash.
A True Conversation Starter – A fun mix of photography, printing, and nostalgia. Its not every day you see one of these out and about!
4) The Olympus Stylus Verve
Released in 2004 for $350 – A sleek and colorful addition to the Olympus Stylus family. It came in six different color ways pure white, crystal blue, velvet red, copper orange, black, and silver.
4.0-Megapixel CCD Sensor – Delivers a shockingly sharp image that still gives you the "y2K look" all the kids are going for
Fun Shooting Modes – like most digicams at the time this camera is packed with weird features and effects
Sleek, All-Metal Body – This camera was built to be durable, compact, weatherproof, and designed for on-the-go photography.
Vibrant Color Options – "More than just a camera—it's a fashion statement!" - Olympus
5) The Fuji FinePix F601 Zoom
Released in 2002 for $600
SuperCCD Sensor Technology – A 3.0-megapixel honeycomb sensor that produces sharp 6.0-megapixel output (supposedly). It also allows you to shot at an ISO of 1600 which was unheard of at the time.
Sleek, Modern Design – Stands out with its futuristic aesthetic.
A Collector’s Favorite – A super fun camera for those digicam enthusiasts seeking a unique piece of digital photography history.
6) The Kyocera SL400R
Ultra-Compact Design – As thin as a AA battery, making it highly portable.
Released in 2004 for $200
Swiveling Lens & Flash Module – Rotates 120 degrees up or down for flexible shooting angles.
"Blazing Fast Burst Mode – Captures 188 full-resolution frames in under a minute at 3+ frames per second."
4.0-Megapixel CCD Sensor
Distinctive Design and Color Ways – This stylish camera came in pink, blue, and silver! Each color way had a unique finish that added a ton of uniqueness to the look of this camera.
7) The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1:
Released in 2007 for $600 – A bold departure from typical Cyber-Shot designs.
Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity – One of the first Sony cameras to allow direct photo sharing. *crazy for 2007 tech*
Advanced Photo Organization – Smart internal storage lets users sort images by events or people.
Unique Sliding Lens Design – "The 3x zoom lens slides sideways, enabling near-instant shooting."
3.5-Inch Touchscreen Display
Doubles as an MP3 Player – Play music alongside slideshows for a multimedia experience.
8) The Contax i4R
Released in 2004 for $450– A sleek and stylish digicam designed for individuality.
Ultra-Slim & Portable - its not much bigger than a flash drive and possibly has the smallest Carl Zeiss lens ever made! The screen size is 1.5in and weighs just 90 grams.
4.0-Megapixel Sensor - "Thanks to the RTUNE double processor the image data is processed extremely quickly. The camera operates with virtually no shutter lag and can shoot up to 3 frames a second in continuous mode."
Uniquely Eye-Catching Design – A perfect blend of style and innovation.
9) The Pentax Optio X: Swivel-Style Innovation
Released in 2004 for $200 – Pentax’s first-ever swivel-style digital camera.
Unique Rotating Design – Lens and body rotate independently for flexible shooting angles. This camera was also Pentax's thinnest camera ever made at the time of release.
5.0-Megapixel Sensor
Geometric & Stylish Look – A futuristic design that stands out from traditional digicams.
10) The Nikon Coolpix S01: A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse
Released in 2012 for $180 – Nikon’s smallest and most compact digital camera every made.
Ultra-Portable Design – A pocket-sized body that’s perfect for on-the-go photography. It featured a touch screen and in order to cut down on size this camera only stored images to the internal memory.
10.1-Megapixel Sensor
Classic Nikon Feel – Combines Nikon’s trusted performance with a sleek, compact design.
11) The Minolta Dimage X: Ultra-Compact and Full of Surprises
Released in 2002 for $400 – Became the smallest, lightest, and thinnest 3x optical zoom camera on the market.
2.0-Megapixel Sensor – Delivers decent image quality in a tiny frame.
Innovative Features – Introduced music to still images and video recording
Ultra-Compact Design – Small enough to fit into a shirt pocket, combining portability with style.
A Standout in the Minolta Lineup – An iconic model that pushed the boundaries of compact digital photography.